The Wizards were within a point to start the fourth quarter, aided by balanced scoring from their starting five and contributions from Mike Scott off the bench, after having passed the concussion protocol.

Yet the Raptors bench proved to make all the difference — doing conversely what most teams do in the postseason by shrinking their rotations — expanding theirs to 11, even without a key cog available in Fred Van Vleet.

Toronto doubled up Washington’s bench scoring 42 to 21, and proved that its depth has been what’s carried it all the way to a No. 1 seed in the East.

Lowry’s 11 points and nine assists held down the fort for the starters, while Delon Wright made his mark with 18 points, four assists, and three steals off the bench, aiding to a 16-of-30 night from beyond the arc for one of the most serious contenders in the East.